The New Orleans 100 - 100 word stories & 100 second videos on topics of intrigue

Thanh Truong, Man of the World

WWL-TV anchor Thanh Truong has traveled the world reporting different stories. From the Democratic National Convention, where Barack Obama accepted his party’s nomination, to Kabul, Afghanistan, where he covered ongoing conflicts and military matters, this reporter has covered a lot of ground.

What many don’t know is the newsworthy story of Thanh and his family’s origins. His family escaped Vietnam in 1978, and, after living in a Thai refugee camp, eventually immigrated to New York thanks to the help of a local church. Now in NOLA, Thanh feels like he’s found his permanent home. We’re glad to have him!

— WWL-TV, Part of Tegna Local Louisiana

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Events

Auctions in August: Bid Today!

Since 2008, Auctions in August has raised over $759,000 for hundreds of nonprofits. Auctions in August is a silent auction Gulf Coast Bank hosts and facilitates Aug. 1-Aug. 31.

Items are available for bidding at our 19 branches and online. Gift cards to local restaurants, sports memorabilia, outings and getaways throughout New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region, jewelry, home goods and so much more are up for auction!

All proceeds benefit the nonprofit selected by the donor of each item. You can check out all the items available at Auctions in August. Help nonprofits and bid today!

– Guy Williams, President and CEO, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust

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Events

Exhibition Explores Sights and Sounds of Former Red-Light District

This advertisement comes from one of the Storyville directories, known as blue books. Storyville was a legally sanctioned red-light district that operated in New Orleans from 1898 until 1917. (Image courtesy of The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC), 1969.19.9)

New Orleans wasn’t the first U.S. city with a legalized red-light district, but it did have one of the most famous.

Located north of the French Quarter, “Storyville” was created in an attempt to restrict prostitution to a designated vice district.

For nearly 20 years (1898–1917), the entertainment mecca lured visitors with dining, dancing, live music and sex. Often remembered for its lavish bordellos in mansions clustered along or near Basin Street, these elegant brothels were far outnumbered by “cribs” — crude structures where women worked in sordid conditions.

To learn more, visit THNOC’s Storyville: Madams and Music.

This is the first in a four-part series about Storyville, a legally sanctioned red-light district that operated in New Orleans from 1898 until 1917.

— Teresa Devlin, The Historic New Orleans Collection

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Community

WWL’s President and General Manager Earns Cumulus Community Excellence Award

Terry Davis, Director Community Affairs Cumulus Radio Group New Orleans, and Tiffany Williams, Promotions Director, Power 102.9 and Old School 106.7, presented Tod Smith with the Cumulus Radio Community Excellence Award on Aug. 10 at the WWL-TV studio.

The Cumulus Community Excellence Award recognizes noble figures in our community who exemplify leadership, kindness, selflessness and contribute to our great city of New Orleans. Cumulus Radio New Orleans recently awarded WWL-TV and WUPL-TV President and General Manager Tod Smith with this prestigious award.

Smith is a strong believer that community service supports good business. His career achievements are equaled by his commitment to supporting numerous community organizations, including the United Way, American Red Cross, Volunteers of America, UNCF, Urban League, YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as community initiatives like the Peace Keepers and Taking a Stand.

— WWL-TV, Part of TEGNA Local Louisiana

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weather

Ever Wonder Why Your Hair Frizzes?

Ever wonder why your hair gets frizzy on humid days? Here’s the scientific explanation.

Hairs are made up of proteins called keratin. On humid days, the air contains more water vapor molecules, which are made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. The water molecules attach themselves to the keratin proteins in hair through hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds cause the hair strand to fold on itself, creating bends in the hair. The more folds and bends that form … the frizzier your hair looks.

So, next time your hair frizzes in our New Orleans humidity, blame the hydrogen bonds!

— WWL-TV, Part of Tegna Local Louisiana

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Health

Ochsner Hospital for Children Announces Michael R. Boh Center for Child Development

Dr. William “Billy” Lennarz, System Chair of Pediatrics – Ochsner Hospital for Children; Robert Boh; Ann Boh; Warner Thomas, President and CEO – Ochsner Health System; Robert Wolterman, CEO – Ochsner Medical Center - Jefferson Highway; and Thomas Harris, Jr., Vice President of Pediatrics, Ochsner Hospital for Children attend the groundbreaking for the Michael R. Boh Center for Child Development.

Ochsner Hospital for Children announced plans for the Michael R. Boh Center for Child Development, which will offer personalized, family-centered care to children with neuromuscular or physical disabilities, and neurocognitive, behavioral and communication-related conditions. Generously funded by Ann and Robert Boh, the state-of-the-art facility will open in 2018.

The Center will fill a critical need for specialized pediatric care. Approximately 20% of children in Louisiana have special health care needs. The Boh Center for Child Development will be the only facility in the region to offer this type of comprehensive care under one roof.

– Thomas Harris Jr., Vice President of Pediatrics, Ochsner Hospital for Children

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Business Tips

How to Join the “Video-ification” of the Internet

All consumers are captivated by video. Learn how to capitalize on this with tips from Tegna.

In 2016, video accounted for 67% of all internet traffic and will account for 80% of all internet traffic by 2021.

Roughly 70% of consumers view brands more positively after watching video content from them. Moreover, after watching an online video, 40% of consumers visited a store or website and 28% made a purchase.

Learn how to use online video to reach local consumers, including tips on how to:

– Increase your reach within targeted markets using OTT.

– Take advantage of social media algorithms that favor video.

– Experiment with Facebook Live.

– Showcase longer-form videos on your own website & YouTube Channel.

— Local Louisiana Marketing Blog, TEGNA Local Louisiana

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Business Tips

The Key to Negotiating

The four stages of negotiating increase your chances of getting what you want in business and beyond.

Negotiating is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence is key when you want to be acknowledged and understood by the other party. A confident speaker is a respectable speaker, and respect will increase your chances of achieving your goals.

Here are some tips for radiating confidence when negotiating:

– Speak up. Project your voice and speak clearly.

– Provide logical reasoning behind your ideas.

– Acknowledge the opposing person’s views to establish mutual respect. There is a way to show them you are receptive to their ideas without giving in or settling.

– Remember that practice makes perfect.

— Haley Pegg, The New Orleans Chamber

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Nonprofit

Warriors for Willow Wage on

Willow Olsen suffers from a rare disease that, if cured, could lead to cures for other diseases like it.

In 2016, Tom Cannan and Amber Olsen’s daughter Willow was diagnosed with Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency (MSD), a rare and fatal type of lysosomal storage disorder. Rather than give up, the Olsens found a treatment, but it lacked funding. They created the United MSD Foundation and Warriors for Willow. They hope to fund the work to develop a clinical trial in time for Willow.

Fewer than 50 children have been diagnosed with Willow’s condition, but similar disorders occur in one of every 5,000 live births. A cure for MSD could result in cures for multiple conditions, saving thousands of children.

To see a video of Willow’s story or to donate to the United MSD Foundation, click here. All donations will help fund research and clinical testing to identify a cure for MSD.

— Sarah Chambless Federer, Gambel Communications

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Tricentennial

Tricentennial History: Bouligny

Bouligny's cartographer, Charles Zimpel, created this neighborhood plan in 1834. (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)

When Louis Bouligny bought a plantation in 1829, he immediately made plans to develop it into a city neighborhood. Once his plans were made, Benjamin Buisson, the surveyor of Lafayette City (the Garden District) named each of the streets.

A former officer in Napoleon’s army, Buisson named the main boulevard after the emperor himself, Napoleon Avenue, and many of the sides streets after his most famous battles (Jena, Milan, Marengo).

Around the same time, the railroad began expanding and ran right through Bouligny, giving the neighborhood an economic boost and inspiring other land owners to create similar subdivisions and neighborhoods.

– Scott Hutcheson, Senior Advisor to the Mayor on the Cultural Economy

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Business News

GNO, Inc. Continues to Work to Keep Flood Insurance Affordable

GNO, Inc. and its partners are working to keep flood insurance costs as low as possible. (Photo courtesy of NPR)

GNO, Inc. and the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance are continuing to advocate Congress to reauthorize and reform the National Flood Insurance Program to keep flood insurance affordable and sustainable ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline.

We’re advocating in support of increased mitigation, improved mapping, preservation of affordability and increased program participation. The leadership of our Congressional advocates has been steadfast on this issue, and we are well-positioned for success, but will need to continue our advocacy efforts to get across the deadline.

To become engaged in our efforts, contact GNO, Inc.’s Caitlin Berni at cberni@gnoinc.org.

— Michael Hecht, GNO, Inc.

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Business

Why Flexible Workplaces Matter

Making your workplace flexible, like allowing remote work, can help attract and retain top talent.

Flexibility is key in great employees, but it’s important for employers to consider, too. By creating a flexible workplace, employers can boost morale and signal to employees that the company is invested in their well-being.

Some ways to create a flexible workplace:

– Allow remote work. Cutting commute time cuts stress. Stay connected to your team with digital tools like Slack and video chats.

– Let employees set their schedules. Personalizing schedules to match workflow is a small modification that has a major impact on productivity.

– Lead by example. Leaders who prioritize flexibility and wellness encourage their employees to follow suit.

– Scott Peeples, Peerfit

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Public Affairs

More Tears From Charlottesville

Three hundred torch-bearing marchers surrounded Jefferson's statue in front of his beloved Rotunda and beat counter protestors Friday night in Charlottesville. (Illustration by Heidi Rizzi, © 2017 The Atlanta 100)

I was to fly into Charlottesville this week to repair a brick walkway I built 40 years ago at my alma mater and to call on potential clients, but after this past weekend’s tragedy, I canceled.

Watching protesters bloodying others Friday night beneath the statue of UVA founder Thomas Jefferson below his beloved Rotunda, I wondered what Jefferson – perhaps the most civil leader America produced – might say.

Yes, he is famous for once writing, “A little rebellion now and then is a good thing.” Also this: “When angry, count to 10 before you speak. If very angry, count to 100.”

– Chris Schroder, SPR Atlanta

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safety

A Textalyzer Could Be the New Breathalyzer

Distracted driving causes one of every four car crashes.

In the United States, nearly 1.6 million crashes result from texting and driving. Louisiana is one of 47 states with a distracted driving ban, but statistics show driver habits aren’t changing.

A new device that could tell if you’ve been texting while behind the wheel is undergoing tests in New York.

The Textalyzer works like a Breathalyzer, but instead of measuring blood-alcohol content it measures cell phone activity. Police must obtain search warrants to look through a person’s phone, but many are concerned about the violation of privacy the Textalyzer might entail. Learn more about the Textalyzer here.

– Ashley Ross, The Oklahoma 100

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Gambel Girl

Grow or Die

George Land's book reminds us to continue to evolve to remain relevant and successful.

I recently rediscovered George Land’s “Grow or Die: the Unifying Principle of Transformation.” This 1973 book has become a cornerstone in planning and organizational change.

On its most basic level, we are tasked with dealing with change rather than fighting it. In today’s velocity of information overload, news in nano seconds and staggering new technologies, it is critical for businesses to look at things a new way.

In my case, I turn to my millennial staff and to colleagues in other industries and other geographies. My challenge is to embrace change so I that can grow both personally and professionally.

– Betsie Gambel, Gambel Communications

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Business News

Leslie Spoon, Sports and Snowball Aficionado

Louisiana-born sports reporter Leslie Spoon is glad to be back home in the Bayou State. As a member of WWL-TV’s sports team, Leslie serves as an anchor and sideline reporter during games. It’s exciting for her because she’s always wanted to be a sideline reporter. When she was younger, she would watch games religiously and report back every play to her dad.

Now that she’s living the dream at work, she’s making the most of her NOLA home. Specifically, she’s become a snowball lover, especially at Sal’s Sno-Balls. Be on the lookout for her on Metairie Road.

– WWL-TV, Part of Tegna Local Louisiana

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Business Tips

Negotiating Tips From the NOLA Chamber

Negotiating is an art form; learn how to do it with these tips.

While we know the importance of negotiating, it can still be difficult to know where to begin. Here are a few tips to help direct your negotiation strategy:

– Prepare; do your research on your counterpart, whether it’s a potential employer, current boss or whomever it may be.

– Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want; being assertive while maintaining respect for the other party is critical in negotiations.

– Take your time, and always be willing to walk away; don’t settle or lose your ability to say “no.”

– Relax; remember, it is possible for both parties’ needs to be met.

This is part two of a three-part series on negotiating. Stay tuned to learn more.

– Sandra Lindquist, The New Orleans Chamber

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Business News

30 Years of Louisiana Made, Louisiana Proud

Steamboat Natchez is just one of the many local businesses that has participated in this campaign.

For more than 30 years, local audiences have enjoyed “Louisiana Made, Louisiana Proud” campaigns. More than 450 companies and organizations have used this marketing format to tell their unique brand’s story. WWL-TV’s marketing program was started to encourage local business development when Louisiana was in the middle of the oil and gas crisis in the 1980s and immediately resonated with our audience.

Today, “Louisiana Made, Louisiana Proud” helps foster civic pride through image-oriented vignettes designed to highlight local companies, organizations, products and services. Watch them all in this vault celebrating 30 years of “Louisiana Made, Louisiana Proud” campaigns.

– WWL-TV, Part of TEGNA Local Louisiana

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Tricentennial

Tricentennial History: Dew Drop Café

The Dew Drop Café hosted the best music in New Orleans while open in the mid-twentieth century. (Photo courtesy of The Advocate)

Before the Maple Leaf, the Dew Drop Café was the place for jazz and blues players to be. Allen Toussaint, Ray Charles and James Brown, among others, all visited the club while it was open from 1939-1970. People even say that Little Richard first performed “Tutti Fruiti” here in NOLA at the Dew Drop.

Frank Pania opened the café and corresponding inn while disregarding segregation laws, so the club was immediately popular throughout the city. It even hosted the New Orleans Gay Ball each Halloween. Pania and his guests were clearly early adopters of the true New Orleans lifestyle.

Currently, there’s a venue in Mandeville, LA with the same name.

– Scott Hutcheson, Senior Advisor to the Mayor on the Cultural Economy

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Health

State of the Sector: Health Sciences

GNO, Inc. predicts that the heath sciences industry will continue to grow in New Orleans. (Photo courtesy of The Architect Newspaper)

Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO Inc.) released its State of the Sector report focusing on the health sciences industry in the Greater New Orleans region. This analysis focuses on current and future workforce and job opportunities over the next 10 years in the Greater New Orleans region.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana generously provided funding for this report. The report found that the health sciences sector employs 77,805 people in the Greater New Orleans region and has grown by 27% over the past decade. Furthermore, the industry is projected to grow 17% over the next 10 years.

– Michael Hecht, GNO, Inc.

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Events

Free Admission or Tours for New Orleans Museum Month

A volunteer at The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) shows visitors the portrait gallery at 533 Royal Street.

Every year in August, museums across the city band together for New Orleans Museum Month, when members of one participating museum receive free admission or tours at the other 16 participating sites in the metro area.

As a returning participant, THNOC is offering free guided tours and 10% off purchases at The Shop at The Collection. Simply present proof of membership at the front desk to receive the benefits. For anyone who’s not a member, this is a great time to join.

Click here for the full list of participating museums. Visit THNOC’s website for more information about its offerings.

– Lauren Noel, The Historic New Orleans Collection

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weather

Don’t Miss This Month’s Solar Eclipse

On August 21, a solar eclipse will occur. Here in New Orleans, we’ll experience a 75% eclipse, with 25% of the sun still visible at the time of maximum eclipse. According to Carl Arredondo, the eclipse should begin in our area around noon and last until 3PM.

If you’re in the mood for a road trip, you can drive to places that will experience the total eclipse. The full shadow covers a thin area across the country, but it’s fewer than 71 miles wide. This is the first solar eclipse to be seen from coast to coast in 99 years.

– WWL-TV, Part of Tegna Local Louisiana

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Health

Ochsner Baptist’s Third-Floor Expansion Grand Opening

Bobby Brannon, executive vice president and treasurer of Ochsner Health System; Kenneth Pickering, chairman of Ochsner Baptist Governing Board; and Dawn J. Anuszkiewicz, chief executive officer of Ochsner Baptist, cut the ribbon at Ochsner Baptist.

Ochsner Baptist recently celebrated the opening if its new inpatient units on the hospital’s third floor. The newly renovated unit consists of 29 private patient rooms, 16 beds for surgical patients and 13 beds for antepartum patients. Antepartum beds are for expectant mothers who may have a high-risk pregnancy and may require an additional level of monitoring, observation and sometimes hospitalization.

In addition to this expansion, Ochsner Baptist recently celebrated its 10,000th delivery since relocating Women’s Services to the Napoleon Avenue campus.

For more information on the services available at Ochsner Baptist, click or call 504-899-9311.

– Dawn Anuszkiewicz, Ochsner Baptist

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Nonprofit

Click, Browse and Bid for a Cause

Gulf Coast Bank invites you to help support your favorite nonprofit while also bidding on some fun auction items.

Since 2008, Auctions in August has raised more than $759,000 for hundreds of nonprofits. Auctions in August is a silent auction Gulf Coast Bank hosts and facilitates throughout the month of August.

Items are available for bidding at 19 branches and online. Gift cards to local restaurants, sports memorabilia, outings throughout New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region, jewelry, home goods and so much more are up for auction.

All proceeds go directly to benefit the nonprofit selected by the donor of each item. You can see all the items available on their website. Help nonprofits and bid today!

– Guy Williams, President and CEO, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust

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Events

Cure Your Summertime Blues

The most recent Hop & Shop was a success! Be sure to stop by the next one on August 24.

As the summer heats up, The Shops at Canal Place is calling all young professionals to cool their summertime blues at a special “backyard” bash for a great cause.

The casual event, in partnership with the New Orleans Chamber, will benefit Team Gleason through raffles of special prizes from The Shops at Canal Place’s many notable, designer boutiques. Partygoers will enjoy live music by Colin Lake and complimentary beer courtesy of Urban South Brewery, as well as a food truck lineup of BBQ favorites. Additionally, the Shops’ boutiques will be open for extended hours with a variety of shopping specials.

This event will be held on Thursday, August 24, from 5:30 – 8 PM and is free and open to the public. To register, click here.

– Anna LeDonne, The New Orleans 100

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Events

WWL-TV Wins 20 Excellence in Journalism Awards

Some of WWL-TV's first place winners at the Press Club awards ceremony: Tom Planchet, Josh Detiege, Candace Harralson, David Hammer, T.J. Pipitone and Neil Giurintano. (Photo courtesy of WWL-TV)

To be recognized as a winner or finalist by one’s peers is a high honor. Recently, members of our own WWL-TV Eyewitness News were honored with 20 awards, including 10 first-place awards at the annual New Orleans Press Club Excellence in Journalism competition.

While winning awards is great, serving our community is an even greater honor. Each and every day, we strive to produce stories that matter as part of our effort to serve the greater good of our communities.

Read the list of award winners here, including links to many of the stories and entries that won.

– Tod Smith, WWL-TV

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Digital Age

Not Just a Young Person’s Game

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, social welfare organization with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families. (Photo courtesy of AARP)

When most people think of video games, they think of millennials and younger people; they don’t think of people 50 and older. Yet one in three Americans age 50-plus plays video games regularly. Most of these gamers play for fun and the opportunity to stay connected with loved ones through online game communities.

Video games and apps are truly ageless, offering gamers of all ages — from grandfathers to granddaughters — the opportunity to share entertainment and social interactions with each other. At AARP, we’re looking at the role video game technology can play in helping us all to age better.

– Sami Hassanyeh, SVP Digital Strategy and Membership, AARP

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Real Estate

Developers Create Buzz With Open-Container Laws

Developments such as Parsons Alley in Duluth, Georgia, are encouraging a lively street atmosphere by loosening open-container ordinances. (Courtesy of Kronberg Wall)

When visiting my husband’s family in New Orleans, we take for granted how nice it is to walk down Magazine Street – wine in hand – while patronizing local shops. Sure, we could just be in a restaurant or bar, but we love to take in the neighborhood and have those chance encounters with friends that we get from walking down the street.

Property developers are now taking that vibe and implementing it into developments. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that developers are looking for relaxed open-container ordinances on their sites, and city councils have proved amenable to the change.

– Sarah Weston, The Atlanta 100

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Summer Storms

Apps to Prepare for Summer’s Storms

Gambel Girl Gretchen Hirt Gendron is our app expert.

We’re in the blustery throes of summer. Are you prepared? Here are four apps to help you stay afloat:

• Alert FM is an emergency notification system that pools information broadcast from the state and local channels to FM radio stations. Get information on school closings, mandatory evacuations and more.

• For interactive storm tracking, get the WWL-TV WeatherCaster app.

• The American Red Cross provides several apps ranging from instructional first aid for people and pets to monitoring severe weather.

• No one likes to come home to a moldy fridge. Stay up-to-date on power outages with the Entergy app.

– Gretchen Hirt Gendron, Gambel Communications

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